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How to host a Beauty and the Beast themed afternoon tea

Written By Isabella Silvers | 19 December 2017

AKA Beauty and the feast

It's a tale as old as time, so it's no wonder that Beauty and the Beast is still inspiring everything from our bedding to our Christmas decorations. After 2016's live-action remake of the Disney classic (which you can watch on NOW TV from December 25th), Belle's household helpers are as popular as ever. And what better way to spend an afternoon than by hosting a Beauty and the Beast themed afternoon tea for the Disney fans - little or large - in your life?

From what to eat to how to decorate your dining table, here's everything you should know about throwing the perfect Beauty and the Beast-themed afternoon tea.

Savoury Snacks
Its not a proper afternoon tea without sandwiches, so spread white or wholemeal bread with Tiptree Little Scarlet Strawberry Conserve or cream cheese and sliced cucumber. Cut everything into triangles, of course. For something warm, try a twist on the classic croque monsieur – after all, this is France and the dinner here is never second best. Top pizza dough or puff pastry with ham and cheese, roll into a log then bake until golden on top. Leave to cool for a few minutes before cutting into slices. If you have time, mini bowls of soup du jour or ramekins of cheese soufflé would all be at home on the Beast's dining table.

Biscuits and cakes
Scones are an afternoon tea classic, but what would Belle want to eat? Instead, take two slices of brioche (or any sweet bread) and fill with cream and strawberries. Then fill your cake stand with your favourite characters by icing biscuits in the style of Cogsworth, decorating doughnuts as Mrs Potts and turning eclairs into Lumière. If you have time, these Beauty and the Beast-inspired iced cookies will elevate your afternoon tea into something really special. While you might not be able to provide pudding en flambée, you can top fairy cakes with yellow icing and red rose cake toppers, or even try your hand at these iced Oreo pops.

Drinks
Tea is essential – Mrs Potts wouldn't have it any other way. Choose a blend like Taylor's Rose Lemonade Infusion to echo the Beast's prized flower and serve in a Mrs Potts teapot and Chip teacup, of course. For something less dainty, shake up LeFou's Brew with apple juice, ice and whipped cream, or add a few raspberries or tangerine segments to a floral teacup before setting the fruit in strawberry jelly.